How to Survive Being Dumped

November 1, 2013

Gr 6-9-These busy books are designed to look like magazines, with Cosmo Girl-like subtitles on the cover and lists, quizzes, peppy photos, and personal stories against a background of pastel patterns inside. They are not designed for classrooms, and, with most of the writing boiled down to bullets and text boxes, they don't contain much report-worthy information. That leaves them to being used as guidance resources, and in this context they should be taken with a grain of salt. For example, Being Dumped suggests talking to a teacher about a break-up, which is inappropriate. The books will best serve browsers who are looking for a slightly tongue-in-cheek treatment of teen angst with some helpful nuggets here and there. Adolescents needing serious assistance will have to look elsewhere.

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2013
Grades 6-9 Taking more than a few cues from glossy women's magazines, this entry into the Girl Talk series incorporates quizzes, lists, Q&As, and blurbs from young women who have been in the same position as those staring down the barrel of first-time heartbreak. The authors explore common reasons why young couples break up and how to tell if a partner might be about to end the relationship. The old coping standbys remain: eating ice cream by the carton; leaning on friends, family, and other trusted confidantes; and staying busy. However, great care is also taken to help process emotions and potential pitfalls, such as seeking revenge or dating someone on the rebound. Additionally, girls on the other side of the breakup fence will find advice geared to ending a relationship respectfully. A fresh and positive take on dating perils.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)